Chief Winemaker: Peter Gago
Grape: 75% Shiraz, 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
Region: Barossa Valley, McLaren Vale
Penfolds was founded in 1844 by Dr. Christopher Rawson Penfold, who emigrated to South Australia from England. He planted vine cuttings from the south of France and opened his medical practice. He always believed in medicinal value of the wine.
The demand for his wines soon outpaced his medical practice and Dr. Penfold focused on creating some finest wines in the world. Penfolds and the Australian wine industry changed dramatically in 1950, when Max Schubert arrived. He is the person behind mastering the famous Penfolds Grange and Bin wines. During his time Penfolds was established as Australia’s premier winery.
For years now they produce some of the best collectible wines that could last several decades – like Grange (about $250.00 a bottle), Bin 707, Bin 389 and more. One of my customers once said that “There is nothing special about expensive bottle of wine. If I spent $100 per bottle, it better taste good! What is real fun is to find is that one bottle of wine that cost $10 but taste like $30.”
The super-value Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet could be one of those wines. It is an extremely well crafted bottle of wine, retails about under $10.00 a bottle. This vintage received 88 points review from Wine Advocate and it has been consistent in high quality over the years.
2007 Shiraz Cabernet blend was aged in seasoned oak for 8 months.
Do not hesitate to try any of the Penfolds wines. You will be in for a treat.
Tasting notes:
Purple colored, it doesn’t seem to have a lot of body. You can smell a lot of ripe red fruit, plum and blueberry, with a light hint of spice. On the palate you taste baked red plum with intense ripe cherry and other red fruit flavors. Long finish with a dust of dark bitter chocolate. Incredible value!
Dry – Off dry – Medium sweet – Sweet
Light – Medium – Full body
No oak – Aged in oak
Retail price: under $ 10.00
Ideal food pairing:
spicy dishes, pork roast, barbecue, ribs, hamburgers and more
ilovevinoblog.com 